Treat yourself to a Dirty Chai Latte … hot or iced, this delicious espresso drink is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
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For quite a few years, I avoided coffee altogether. I’ve always loved coffee, but I’m really sensitive to caffeine. So I mainly stuck with tea, and my favorite coffee shop treat has always been a chai latte … yum!
When I lived in NYC though, I gradually added coffee back into my daily routine. I think it was the only way I could get through my first (totally horrible) job there!
These days, I love starting my day with an iced coffee. I still can only tolerate about a cup a day, but I look forward to that iced coffee every morning.
Today, I’m sharing a favorite recipe that combines both of my coffee shop faves into one delicious drink, a Dirty Chai Latte!
Dirty Chai Latte
What is a Dirty Chai Latte?
You may be wondering what exactly a Dirty Chai Latte is (and what ingredients you’ll need). It sure sounds intriguing, right?
Basically, a Dirty Chai is a chai tea latte with a shot or two of espresso added. I’ve also heard the two short version called a Filthy Chai Latte. And if you use soy milk (or another vegan sub) instead of dairy milk, you’ve got a Dirty Hippie. I did not come up with these names … ha ha!
I love this coffee drink, because you get an extra boost of caffeine (perfect when you need an afternoon pick-me-up), and it tastes so good, too!
Don’t have an espresso maker? You can cheat a little. I used my Ninja Coffee Bar on the Specialty Brew setting (which makes the perfect amount), but strong coffee will work, too.
If this all sounds a little complicated, don’t worry, my chai coffee recipe is simple to make. And you can enjoy this dirty chai tea year round, hot or cold!
How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte at Home
Want to know how to make a chai latte with coffee?
The first step is preparing the Easy Chai Tea Mix. I’ve been making this chai tea concentrate for years. It’s a mix of sweetened condensed milk and spices, and it’s so simple and quick to make.
You can use this mix to flavor tea or regular coffee, and of course, I used it to create this chai coffee recipe.
To make a hot Dirty Chai Latte, you’ll start by brewing a strong cup of black tea (I used Earl Grey) and a double shot of espresso (or strong coffee).
Combine the tea and coffee in a large, latte-size coffee cup, then add the chai tea mix to taste.
It’s not 100% necessary, but I added frothed milk to my chai tea coffee recipe. It creates that special coffee shop touch!
To get a perfectly creamy foam topping, I like to use a milk frother. It’s one of those gadgets that so fun and simple to use.
If you don’t have a frother, then microwave your milk in a mason jar until hot. Seal the mason jar and shake until the milk is frothy.
Whole milk works best, whether you’re using a frother or mason jar, but I’ve used 2%, too.
A sprinkle of cinnamon is the perfect finishing touch to this Dirty Chai Tea Latte!
The spices from the chai tea mix do tend to settle in the bottom of the cup, so keep that in mind before you take your last sip.
I’m a huge iced coffee fan, so I actually prefer to make Iced Dirty Chai Lattes … so delicious! The process is similar to the hot chai coffee recipe, although you can skip the foamed milk. See the recipe below for instructions.
Whether you make it hot or cold though, this Dirty Chai Latte recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s the perfect afternoon pick me up!
You can also add the Easy Chai Tea mix to regular coffee (no tea) or use it to make a Chai Tea Latte. So versatile, right?
Treat yourself to a Dirty Chai Latte ... hot or iced, it's the perfect afternoon pick-me-up and takes minutes to make!
- 1 black tea bag
- 1 to 2 shots espresso, or 2 to 4-ounces strong coffee
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Chai Tea Mix
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- ground cinnamon, optional
- 1 black tea bag
- 2 shots espresso, or 4 oz. strong coffee
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Chai Tea Mix
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Place tea bag in a large coffee cup. Cover with 1 cup boiling water and let steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
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Discard tea bag, then add hot espresso to tea.
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Stir in 1 to 2 tbsp. of chai tea mix (to taste).
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Microwave milk until hot (about 45 seconds), then froth using a milk frother (or shake in a sealed mason jar).
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Add frothed milk to drink, then sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
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Serve hot. Enjoy!
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Place tea bag in a large coffee cup. Cover with 1 cup boiling water and let steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
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Remove tea bag, then place tea in freezer for a few minutes to cool slightly.
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Fill a large, tall glass 3/4 full with ice. Pour tea over ice.
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Mix espresso with 1 to 2 tbsp chai tea mix (to taste), then add to iced tea.
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Stir well, then serve immediately. Enjoy!
The chai tea mix is also delicious mixed with regular coffee ... no tea required!
Love this Dirty Chai Recipe?
If you enjoyed this yummy recipe, then make sure to check out some of my other coffee and tea recipes:
- Australian Iced Coffee
- Salted Caramel Affogato
- Cinnamon Brown Sugar Coffee Syrup
- Sweet Cinnamon Milk Tea
- How to Make Iced Coffee
- Iced Green Tea with Coconut Water
How do you take your coffee?
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